the president warned the increasing rising price for russia if they don't change course. in the ukrainian city of odessa, a fire left 31 people dead. it started new violent flashes. and the u.s. had its first confirm eed case of mers. now back to "hardball." >>> welcome back to "hardball." chris christie wants to run in 2016 for president, of course. he says the bridge scandal of his won't stop him. >> many voters if they consider this issue at all in considering my candidacy, if there ever is one, i've got a feeling it will be a very small element, if any element at all. >> there's certainly nothing that's happened in the last, you know, number of months since we talked about this the last time that would make me think any differently about my ability to be able to pursue that job or to perform it. >> i am who i am. and for some people, they love it. i will tell you, when i travel around new jersey, i hear from most people that's the thing they love the most. >> what about iowa? >> oh, well, i think they love me in iowa, too, diane. i've been there a lot. i think they lo